Green Tara: Meaning, Mantra, Symbolism & Benefits in Tibetan Buddhism

Green Tara is the female Buddha of swift, compassionate action — the embodiment of the active, protective energy that rushes to the aid of beings in distress. Practitioners invoke Green Tara for protection from fear, removal of obstacles, swift success in all virtuous activities, and ultimate liberation. The main mantra of Green Tara is Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha, one of the most powerful and widely recited mantras in Tibetan Buddhism.

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Quick Facts About Green Tara

• Category: Female Buddha / Yidam (Meditational Deity)

• Meaning: “Green Liberator” — the swift, active form of Tara who rescues beings from danger

• Mantra: OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA

• Main Benefits: Swift protection from the eight fears, removal of all obstacles, success in activities, purification of negative karma, awakening compassion, and attaining enlightenment in one lifetime

Who Is Green Tara?

Green Tara (Sanskrit: Syamatara; Tibetan: སྒྲོལ་ལྗང་, Droljang) is the most famous and widely venerated form of the female Buddha Tara. She is the “Mother of All Buddhas” and the embodiment of active, swift compassion. While White Tara represents the peaceful, healing, long‑life aspect, Green Tara represents the dynamic, protective, action‑oriented aspect of the same enlightened mother.

According to Buddhist legend, Green Tara arose from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. When Avalokiteshvara looked upon the vast suffering of beings, he wept, and his tears formed a lake. From that lake, a lotus arose, and when it opened, Green Tara appeared. She said to him, “Do not weep, noble son. I will help you.” Since then, she has been the swift rescuer who answers every sincere call for help.

Green Tara is considered a fully enlightened Buddha who chose to manifest in female form to emphasize that enlightenment is accessible to all beings, regardless of gender. She is a yidam (meditational deity) in the Vajrayana and a protector deity in all Tibetan Buddhist schools. Her green colour symbolises the element of wind — swift, unobstructed, and all‑pervading. Her posture, with one leg extended, shows that she is always ready to leap into action. She is also the special Buddha of the Karma family (activity family) and is closely associated with Amoghasiddhi.

Meaning and Symbolism of Green Tara

Spiritual Meaning

“Tara” means “star” or “she who ferries beings across the ocean of samsara.” Green Tara’s colour is not the green of grass but the green of active, vibrant energy — the element of wind, which moves instantly and without obstacle. Her name and colour together signify the unstoppable, swift compassion that reaches every suffering being without delay.

Green Tara is said to protect from the eight great fears, each corresponding to a mental poison:

1. Lions (pride)

2. Wild elephants (delusion)

3. Fires (anger)

4. Snakes (jealousy)

5. Robbers (wrong views)

6. Bondage (miserliness)

7. Floods (attachment)

8. Demons (doubt)

By protecting from these eight outer dangers, she also protects from their inner causes — the eight afflictive emotions. Ultimately, Green Tara’s protection is liberation from samsara itself.

Her right hand is in the varada mudra (gesture of supreme giving), offering blessings and refuge. Her left hand is at her heart in the triratna mudra (three fingers raised), symbolising the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and holding the stem of a blue utpala flower. The utpala blooms at her ear, representing the pure, spontaneous realization of wisdom. Her right leg extended signifies her readiness to spring into action; her left leg folded represents her unshakeable meditation. This union of action and stillness is the essence of enlightened compassion.

Iconography: How to Identify Green Tara

• Color: Green — like a dark emerald or the colour of fresh spring leaves. Green symbolises wind, swiftness, activity, and the Karma family.

• Faces: One peaceful, youthful face with a slight, compassionate smile.

• Arms: Two arms.

• Attributes:

  • Right hand rests on the right knee in varada mudra (palm open, facing outward, fingers pointing down). It often holds a blue utpala (night lotus) or simply makes the mudra.

  • Left hand is at her heart, holding the stem of a blue utpala that blooms near her left ear. The left hand makes the triratna mudra (thumb and ring finger holding the stem, index finger raised).

• Posture: She sits on a lotus and moon disc with right leg extended over the edge of the seat (ready to stand) and left leg folded in the meditation posture. This is called the “royal ease” or “lalitasana” posture.

• Ornaments: She wears silken robes, a jeweled crown, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets — adorning her as a sambhogakaya deity.

• Expression: Peaceful, with slightly downward‑cast eyes, radiating loving‑kindness.

• Throne: In some depictions, she sits on a lotus atop a moon disc; in more elaborate thangkas, she may be seated on a lion throne.

Green Tara is sometimes depicted with four arms (the four immeasurables), but the two‑armed form is the most common and is used for daily practice.

Mantra of Green Tara

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA

This six‑syllable mantra (OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA) is the root mantra of all Taras and is often called the “Mother of All Mantras.” It is recited by millions of practitioners daily, on prayer wheels, on malas, and in meditation.

Meaning of each syllable:

• OM — the primordial sound, representing the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.

• TARE — “Tara” – liberating from samsara, specifically from the eight fears.

• TUTTARE — liberating from the eight inner dangers (the afflictive emotions) and leading to the attainment of the path.

• TURE — liberating from disease, karma, and delusion, and granting the supreme accomplishment (siddhi).

• SVAHA — “so be it” — a seal of offering and dedication, affirming the mantra’s power.

On a deeper level: Tare liberates beings from rebirth in the desire realm; Tuttare liberates from the form realm; Ture liberates from the formless realm. Thus, the mantra liberates from all three realms of samsara.

Reciting this mantra even once creates immense merit. It is said that reciting it 108 times daily purifies negative karma, protects from all fears, and brings the practitioner swiftly to enlightenment. The mantra can be recited aloud or silently, at any time and in any place.

Benefits of Green Tara Practice

• Swift protection from the eight fears: Accidents, wild animals, fires, floods, thieves, imprisonment, evil spirits, and even the fear of death.

• Removes all obstacles: Inner obstacles (laziness, anger, craving, doubt) and outer obstacles (conflict, poverty, illness, harmful influences).

• Success in all virtuous activities: Green Tara is the Buddha of active compassion; she blesses every good undertaking.

• Purifies negative karma: Especially karma related to attachment, aversion, and ignorance.

• Awakens bodhichitta (awakened heart): Naturally develops compassion, loving‑kindness, and the wish to benefit all beings.

• Protects travellers and those in dangerous situations: She is the special protector of those who journey.

• Ensures a peaceful death and good rebirth: Reciting her mantra at the moment of death pacifies fear and guides consciousness away from lower realms.

• Leads to full enlightenment: As a yidam, Green Tara’s ultimate gift is Buddhahood in one lifetime.

How to Practice Green Tara

Simple Daily Practice (No Empowerment Required)

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably in a clean, quiet place. Place an image of Green Tara at eye level, or simply visualise her.

2. Refuge and Bodhichitta: “I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. For the benefit of all sentient beings, I will attain enlightenment.”

3. Visualisation: In the space before you, a lotus and moon disc appear. Upon them sits Green Tara, green like a dark emerald, radiant and translucent. Her right hand is extended in the gesture of giving; her left hand holds a blue lotus at her heart. Her right leg is extended, ready to act. She is surrounded by a rainbow light.

4. Mantra recitation: Recite OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA 21, 108, or more times. With each repetition, imagine green light streaming from her heart, filling your body and mind, purifying all fears and obstacles, and granting you swift protection.

5. Dissolution: Green Tara melts into green light and dissolves into you. Your body, speech, and mind become inseparable from her active compassion.

6. Dedication: “May the merit of this practice cause all beings to be free from fear, to accomplish all good activities, and to quickly attain the state of Green Tara.”

For Specific Needs

• When afraid or in danger: Recite the mantra strongly, visualising green light as a protective sphere around you.

• Before travel: Recite 21 times before departure, visualising Green Tara walking ahead of you.

• For removing obstacles in a project: Recite 108 times, visualising green light cutting through all blockages.

• For healing others: Visualise Green Tara above the sick person, pouring green nectar into them.

Offerings

• Green offerings: Green flowers, green candles, green silk, or even a green apple.

• Seven water bowls: The standard offering on any Buddhist altar.

• Light offerings: Butter lamps or candles, symbolising the light of wisdom.

• Incense and flowers: Especially utpala (blue lotus) or any blue/white flowers.

• Fruit and food: Offered with the wish that all beings never lack sustenance.

Any offering made with a sincere heart and the wish for all beings to be protected is sufficient.

Do You Need Initiation (Wang) to Practice Green Tara?

For mantra recitation, front visualisation, and offerings – no empowerment is necessary. Green Tara is universally accessible. She is often the first deity taught to beginners because her practice is simple, powerful, and safe.

For self‑visualisation as Green Tara (deity yoga), it is traditional to receive the empowerment from a qualified lama. However, many teachers say that if one has strong faith and an understanding of emptiness, one may engage in the complete sadhana without formal empowerment. For most lay practitioners, the front visualisation and mantra recitation are sufficient and extremely beneficial.

Practice with Authentic Art

Bring the energy of Green Tara into your life:

Green Tara in Tibetan Art

Green Tara is one of the most beloved figures in Tibetan thangkas and statues. She is typically depicted with a vibrant green body, seated on a white moon disc and a multi‑coloured lotus. Her right leg is extended, often resting on a smaller lotus. Her left hand holds a blue utpala with three petals (representing the three times – past, present, future). Her right hand is open, palm facing outward, sometimes with a small jewel resting on the palm.

In some artistic traditions, the moon disc behind her is full and white, and the background is filled with green foliage and flowers, symbolising growth and activity. Her crown is adorned with jewels, and her eyes are large and compassionate. Around her, the thangka may depict the eight fears and her saving acts: a person fleeing a lion, a ship in a flood, a house on fire, etc.

Statues of Green Tara are often made of gilded copper with green paint or green patina. In Nepal and Tibet, many temples have large Green Tara statues as the main altar figure. A common variation is the Kharchari (Walking) Tara, where she stands with both legs together, ready to walk to the aid of beings.

For home practice, a small Green Tara statue or thangka on the altar serves as a constant reminder of swift, compassionate action.

FAQ About Green Tara

What is the difference between Green Tara and White Tara?

Green Tara represents active, swift compassion — she protects beings from immediate danger and removes obstacles. She sits with one leg extended, ready to leap into action. White Tara represents peaceful, healing compassion — she grants long life, health, and serenity. She sits in full lotus. Both are forms of the same enlightened mother.

Is Green Tara a Buddha or a Bodhisattva?

Green Tara is considered a fully enlightened Buddha who appears in the form of a female bodhisattva to benefit beings. She is often called the “Mother of All Buddhas.” In the Vajrayana, she is a yidam (meditational deity) and a protectress.

What is the mantra of Green Tara?

The mantra is OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA. It is one of the most powerful and accessible mantras in Tibetan Buddhism.

Can beginners practice Green Tara?

Absolutely. Green Tara is often the first deity practice taught to beginners. No empowerment is required for mantra recitation and front visualisation. She is the ideal protector for those new to the path.

Does Green Tara grant worldly wishes?

Yes, as a compassionate mother, she responds to all sincere requests. Many people pray to Green Tara for protection during travel, success in business, healing, safety from accidents, and even for a safe pregnancy. Her ultimate purpose, however, is to lead beings to enlightenment.

Why is Green Tara green?

Green symbolises the element of wind – swift, unobstructed, and all‑pervading. It also represents the active, growth‑oriented energy of spring. Green Tara’s colour indicates that her compassion is unstoppable and instantaneous.

Conclusion: Green Tara — The Swift Rescuer

Green Tara is the embodiment of the mother’s love in its most active form: she does not merely feel your pain; she leaps to your side. Her mantra, Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha, is a direct line to the heart of compassion. Recite it when you are afraid, and you will find courage. Recite it when you are stuck, and you will find a way. Recite it when you are lost, and she will guide you home.

In a world full of dangers — outer and inner — Green Tara is the ever‑present protectress who never sleeps and never turns away. Her extended leg is a promise that she will not rest until all beings are free. By practicing her mantra and visualisation, you not only receive her protection but also awaken your own capacity for swift, fearless compassion. May all beings be free from fear and swiftly reach the other shore.